As we all are aware, America and the world said farewell to a famed philanthropic television show this year. Following its 25th season, the Oprah Show concluded this year. Both she and her show will be remembered for many things over its lifetime, but probably the largest thing that it will be remembered for was the philanthropy and donations that she made over the years. For many seasons, she secretly aired and filmed “Favorite Things” episodes. When purchasing tickets, the public had no idea what show they were going to see, and if you happened to be a lucky audience member, once per season you purchased a ticket to Christmas in Chicago, also known as Oprah’s Favorite Things. There were several seasons in which I remember her “profiling” ticket purchasers for things like race, whether or not they were a single parent, their age and race, and audience member’s occupation. There has been much debate as to whether these shows were a mere publicity stunt to show off her riches, or if it was an act of philanthropy, no one will know. One season it was single working mothers, another it was Americas Educators, and another it was War on Terror vets and their families. Millions of dollars’ worth of electronics, automobiles, computers, books, movies, vacations, etc. was given over the 25 year period. Among “Favorite Things,” in 2006 Oprah donated $40 million to start a school in Africa to educate African young women about leadership and global opportunity. Not to mention all of the millions of dollars she has donated to charity anonymously to avoid hype and public opinion. While there are many varying opinions regarding Ms. Winfrey, there is one thing we cannot deny-she has money and she isn’t afraid to do something good to show it.
Oprah, of course
7 MarAfter hearing the current event presentation on Oprah’s big give show, I thought that it was the same as a lot of shows like that. It seems like a good idea at the time, and people who don’t really watch it or pay to much attention think it’s really great for the goodwill of the world. I agree with whoever said it was kind of weird. I think that it is a little bizarre that they kick people off who didn’t raise enough money. They are being punished for raising money for a good cause, and I think that’s ridiculous. I don’t think anyone should be kicked off the show, I just think that each week they should have a different type of cause to raise money for. If people thought they were not doing a good enough job by raising money, then they might not try to raise money anymore. It’s a good idea Oprah, but you can’t do everything right 
Oprah’s Big Give??
6 MarI’m jumping on the bandwagon again and going with the popular post for this week: Oprah’s Big Give
I’ve never been sure what to think about Oprah. She uses her fame to do a lot of good things but I also think she’s a little too influential/powerful. I like that she encourages people to read through her book of the month, but if I find out a certain book is on her list I’m less likely to read it because she’s endorsed it. I feel like it takes away from things when Oprah steps in. I think she’s encouraging fads and I’m completely against fads of any type.
Her new show follows her old trends. Oprah comes up with an idea and slaps her name on it, and guess what, it’s a big hit and everyone wants to watch. I like how people who are in need are benefiting from the money raised on the show. However, I don’t like that it’s a reality show and people have to be kicked off. Instead, everyone would benefit if they could stay on and learn more. That would encourage viewers not to give up just because someone else does a better job at raising money. I also don’t like that the winner receives money. I think the show should have kept with its theme and instead they could make a major donation in that person’s name to any charity that person wants. That way the person is still rewarded and they continue to give. Because of the theme of the show, I hope the winner spends the money on helping others rather than spending on his/herself. My last problem with the show is that it has Oprah’s name on it. I haven’t seen it and I’m sure she makes appearances but I feel that if it was just called The Big Give it would encourage viewers to go out and do the same. Her name on their is like an endorsement that really doesn’t help the cause. I think being on TV alone is enough of an endorsement and all the stars making appearances will help with donations. Oprah didn’t need to slap her name on there. I’m sure she felt she had to since she’s sponsoring all of it but I think it takes away from the theme of giving.
Oprah’s Big Give…Just another reality show?
6 MarI saw that a few other people posted to the blog this week about the Oprah’s Big Give television series. This subject has come up several times this week in my own personal conversations, so I thought I would put my two cents in.
I think the idea of the show has good intentions at heart, but is not necessarily a good thing. I think that it is awesome that you someone had the idea to make a show about giving to others, when you see so many shows on today that are about people winning big money for themselves. Personally, I am tired or reality television, and I think it is time for networks to go in a different direction. Shows about people doing good are refreshing once in awhile.
However, I think that this is still a reality style show. It doesn’t show people doing a fundraising project over a long period of time. It is focused on the quick fix, here and now solution. Five days is a very short amount of time, and I think it cheapens the idea of the show because people are under such a big time crunch. What about the people that need the help? I feel they are kind of being exploited for the good of the show. Also, if someone fails to raise money to help the people in need, such as with the fashion show idea that didn’t raise any money, then is the show just going to forget about them? I just think it kind of makes fund raising out to be something it’s not. It should not be about the quick, right now, solutions, but about fixing the reason the problem happened in the first place.
Oprah’s Big Give-A positive
4 MarAfter watching the ABC show, “Oprah’s Big Give,” I became hooked on yet another reality t.v. show. Through out the past I’ve watched Survivor and The Amazing Race, but became bored with them after a while. I believe this show could be a great inspiration for our society. This is one of the few reality shows that involves people working towards helping others rather than themselves. After all, most reality shows have a million dollar prize or a rich celebrity to win/fall in love with. All of these contestants auditioned to be on the show without ever asking what was in it for them. These people really do care about giving back, and I believe this is great turning point in reality t.v. The process in which these contestant raise money for people in need within 5 days is definitely eye-opening, especially since it shows how normal people can make a difference in others’ lives. I can’t wait for next week’s show!
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